How Tall Can Swedish Ivy Grow?

Swedish ivy grows well in shady areas.

Shade-adapted groundcovers can be a lifesaver in the home garden, and Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis) fills the niche in the right climate. Its glossy green leaves and white or purple flowers, which bloom off and on throughout the year, add visual interest year round. However, Swedish ivy does not climb but rather trails, and unlike other ivies only grows a few feet tall.

Identification

Swedish ivy is an herbaceous perennial hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. Its evergreen leaves are broad-ovate and usually around 1 ½ inches long, with attractively scalloped margins. Flowers appear in 8-inch-long racemes throughout the year, in either white or purple. Swedish ivy is also known as Swedish begonia and creeping Charlie.

Height

Swedish ivy’s name is somewhat misleading, recalling the climbing habits of other ivies, which can grow to great heights. Swedish ivy isn’t a climber, however, but rather trails along the ground. It is actually a member of the mint family and although its stems spread and trail, they do not actually climb. The plant never grows more than 3 feet, so when stems are erect it can be 3 feet tall, but more commonly they lay down, limiting the height of the plant.

Culture

Swedish ivy prefers bright shade or sun-dappled locations, but it will also grow in moderate shade. In locations with full sun, the plant will remain compact and will not reach its full height and spread. It tolerates drought and dry soil but prefers well-drained, humusy soils with a medium amount of moisture. Although it is a perennial in the right climate, Swedish ivy is highly intolerant of frost and will die if exposed to such temperatures.

Garden Uses

In areas where Swedish ivy does not withstand the winter, it is often grown as an annual for foliar interest. It is also used as a border plant year-round where hardy, and planted in hanging containers or pots on decks and patios. Swedish ivy is also a common indoor plant, and can be transitioned outdoors as a container plant during summer months.